Announcing The Travel Blogging Calendar 2013: The Calendars for a Charitable Cause

A few months back, Chris from Aussie on the Road posted an unassuming message on Facebook, positing an idea to produce a “travel bloggers calendar,” sell it, and donate all the proceeds to charity. The response was overwhelming, and today we have a marvelous team of people on board for this special project.

24 of the internet’s finest travel bloggers are getting half-naked (some are going full monty!) for a good cause. The idea is to give back to the communities who have nurtured us on our travels.

Behind the scenes, in between the dirty jokes and flagrant flirting, we’re actually getting some work done! I spent weeks on end organizing and laboring over the Travel Blogging Calendar website, while sending out huge lists of emails to charities, participants and other bloggers. Meanwhile, Chris has been managing the talent and has taken charge of getting the calendar itself turned into a tangible product. Our efforts are finally finding fruition.

When I first got involved, I had no idea I would take on such an important role in organizing this project. My reasons for committing myself so deeply are twofold.

First of all, I am realizing, now more than ever, how lucky I have been to embark on such a rhapsodic journey. It has become apparent to me how incredibly selfish I have been able to be, and I am endlessly grateful for that opportunity. The past two years have been about me, me, me, and now it’s time to do some good.

Secondly, a number of months ago I encountered a remarkable act of charity and kindness from both my friends and strangers alike. My sister had to go to the hospital for emergency surgery, in Washington, DC, while I was stuck in New Zealand with no way to get home. I was not financially fluid at all at that point in time and there was no way I would be able to get home to be with my sister. I opened a “Get Jeremy home to his family” fund, and raised more than $2,000. I flew home days later and was able to be with my sister for her surgery, and support her in one of her most difficult times. I was, and still am, unspeakably grateful and humbled. Upon returning to New Zealand a month later, I swore I would pay this kindness forward. This project is my way of saying thank you.

I have been so lucky during my travels, and countless people have assisted me on my journey. My hope is that this project can help at least one person on theirs.

For more information, to read about the nominated charities, and to vote for your favorite, please visit TravelBloggingCalendar.com. If you’d like to stay updated on the project, please subscribe to the TBC mailing list. You will receive updates on the charities, when the calendar is for sale, and how the proceeds are specifically helping others.

Many thanks go to uPrinting.com who, in a show of support, have graciously offered to print the calendars for free.